SEREMBAN (Malaysia) - Iran vented all of their frustrations by dealing Samoa a 78-45 beatdown to barge into the win column of the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025-Division B, Sunday at the Karisma Arena.
That 67-70 collapse to India still fresh in their minds, the young Team Melli roared to a 20-9 start before breaking away in the second chapter, never to let up as they indeed learned from Saturday's lessons.
It could be recalled that the West Asian side coughed up a 61-50 fourth-quarter lead to their counterparts from South Asia, with Mahek Sharma making the game-winning three-point play entering the final minute.
And that's precisely why the charges of Coach Serveh Zarghamyan showed a concerted effort to double down on defense, especially in the final period even though they were already leading by 20-plus points.
The Iranians have improved to 1-1 in Group A following the win and will look to end the Group Phase with back-to-back victories when they take on Uzbekistan on Monday, September 15, at 14:00 local time.
Four players finished in double figures in the win, led by Elina Kazemevini with 13 points. Asma Shadrouh and Elena Ahmadian produced 12 points apiece, with the latter adding 4 rebounds and 6 assists plus a steal.
Sara Mokhtari notched a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds as 11 of the 12 players scored at least 2 points in the triumph thanks to the 24 assists they finished with - 14 more than what their foes had.
Jalyn Newton-Taito had 10 points to lead Samoa, who fell to 0-2.
*This article will be updated.